Offline Messaging Apps Become Key Tool for Indian Protesters Amidst Connectivity Fears

As thousands of young Indians protested in Delhi over alleged failures in the country's education system and exam paper leaks, many turned to offline messaging apps to ensure communication amid fears of internet disruptions.

Downloads of apps that function without mobile networks or Wi-Fi surged across India. Bitchat, a recently launched app, saw an over eightfold increase in installations. Bridgefy and Briar also experienced significant growth, with downloads rising by 193% and 57% respectively. This trend reflects a growing preparedness among protesters to communicate even when connectivity is compromised.

Nigam Mishra, a 22-year-old software entrepreneur, began exploring these apps after hearing about connectivity issues at protest sites. He discovered Bitchat, which utilizes Bluetooth to connect nearby users, and shared it with fellow protesters. Mishra created an Instagram video detailing useful tools for protesters, including offline apps, which became part of an emergency "offline" toolkit.

Experts note that while these apps can serve as a valuable emergency backup, they are not a replacement for reliable internet access. The apps work by relaying messages from phone to phone, extending the network's reach as more users join. Bitchat, for instance, surpassed 250,000 active users on July 22, marking a new record for the platform.

Protesters and volunteers also distributed checklists advising attendees to carry power banks, download offline maps, save emergency contacts, and install offline messaging apps. However, the Indian government has reportedly taken action against one such platform, Bithub, late Thursday night.

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I downloaded and tested it with a few people first. When I felt that it works well in short distances, I shared it with other protesters.